Service Learning

What is Service-Learning

“A credit-bearing educational experience in which students participate in an organized
service activity that meets identified community needs and reflects on the service
activity in such a way as to gain further understanding of the course content, a broader
appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility.” -
Bringle and Hatcher, 1996

Service Learning at USciences

Courses

The following are some of the courses taught at the University that have a service-learning
component. Not all courses are taught every semester, or open to all students.

BS 490 Special Topics: Infection and ImmunityOutreach to local community about the flu vaccine at City of Philadelphia Health District
#3.

HS 210: Health and Social ParticipationThe overall objective of the course is to understand the impact of community and social
engagement on health. The service-learning component involves developing health based
community projects at various community settings in West Philadelphia.

HS 415/615 Falls in the ElderlyA community-based health care and social services program for the frail elderly, operated
by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, conducted at USciences and Living
Independently for Elders (LIFE).

OT 303/503: Occupational Therapy, Human Development and PerformanceThe overall objective of the course is to understand the development, integration
and adaptation of sensory, motor, cognitive, perceptual, psychological and social
skills within various human performance contexts. The service-learning component of
the course involves designing developmental activities for children at a Head Start
Preschool.

OT 360/560: Occupational Therapy, Clinical Teaching and Learning TheoryThe overall objective of the course is to effectively apply and evaluate the teaching
and learning process within the context of occupational therapy and health services.
The service-learning component of the course involves developing learning experiences
for adults with developmental disabilities at a work training program.

OT 452/552: Occupational Therapy, Human Occupation - Concepts and PracticeThe overall objective of the course is to understand and analyze the organization
of and participation in valued and meaningful clusters of personal and social activities,
or occupations. In addition, the course emphasizes the contextual or environmental
influences on a person's ability to adapt to evolving personal, social and environmental
circumstances. The service-learning component of the course involves designing environments
to promote play exploration at a Head Start Preschool.

OT 382: Occupational Therapy, Community Service LearningStudents are assigned to sites in twos or threes, and design activity-based programs
and educational materials specific to the needs of the setting. These assignments
come out of two other courses (OT 360 and OT 452) that are taken concurrently.

SO 205 Social ProblemsStudy of nature and scope of significant social problems in society, analyzing the
probability causes, and assessments of various solutions. Volunteer in the community
while researching one aspect of the service.

SO 315 Complex Organizations and TheoryA broad introduction to organizational development and to organization theories that
apply to bureaucracies, private enterprises and voluntary associations. Volunteer
with organization; analyze weekly report on element of organization.

SO 325 Social EcologyOverview of the field of human ecology. Course format involves discussion of ecological
factors of society form a community to global perspective, based on readings and experience
in urban sociology. Study urban community changes and give service to neighborhood
organization.

SO 340 Special Topics in SociologyTopics of special interest considered from a sociological perspective. Service learning
is incorporated in topic.

SP 301 Spanish for Health Care Professionals Students have opportunity to practice Spanish with native speakers while working in
an environment with Health Care personnel.